Weaknesses: Limited, average skin-care options; average to problematic concealers; unimpressive eyelining and brow-enhancing options; the Lotsa Lip products; the mascaras are a mixed bag with mostly disappointing results; no brushes.

This Los Angeles–based independent cosmetics company launched in 1990 and is the brainchild of makeup artist Carol Shaw (Lorac is "Carol" spelled backwards). It is well-publicized that Shaw has a long list of celebrity clients, but then so do all of the other makeup artists who have their own products lines—there are a lot of famous faces that need attention—so that boast is hardly unique. Compared to competitors Bobbi Brown, Trish McEvoy, or Stila, Lorac doesn't offer the same caliber of foundation colors or the array of products, yet most of what's available is impressive. The company holds its own when it comes to blush, eyeshadow, and lipstick. You will find that, for the most part, the older, established products perform better and are more attractive than many of Shaw's latest inventions. In particular, the latest lipstick, lip gloss, concealer, and waterproof mascara are true disappointments. Lorac hasn't done a great job on the innovation and performance side of the business since the last edition of this book, while her competition (particularly Stila and Laura Mercier) continues to consistently impress. There are still plenty of reasons to shop this line, but focus on the long-standing products rather than on what's new.